Journal of dental education
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A questionnaire was sent to all 60 U. S. dental school deans to obtain their opinions concerning future faculty training requirements and job opportunities. Two rounds of mailings produced a 95 percent response rate. ⋯ An analysis of current data on the number of dentists in formal research training programs was compared with the deans' estimation of projected faculty openings. This analysis led to the conclusion that there is a significant undersupply of dentists trained jointly in two disciplines who are capable of independent research. In the absence of corrective action, an opportunity to strengthen dental faculties and dental research will be lost.
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This paper presents information about how tenure decisions are made in dental schools and examines dental deans' opinions regarding the value of the tenure system. Deans view teaching ability and scholarly accomplishments as the most important factors in tenure decisions. ⋯ In addition, deans regard tenure as motivating younger faculty members to achieve excellence in teaching and scholarship. Deans also feel that the award of tenure is not detrimental to the continued productivity of faculty members.
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A survey was conducted to assess the current state of predoctoral endodontic education programs in United States and Canadian dental schools. The investigation focused on faculty characteristics, the learning climate for endodontics, and problems of administration. ⋯ Endodontic program directors identified numerous conditions associated with the enhancement of learning. Problems reported were inadequate time to pursue research and scarcity of full-time faculty in some programs.